“I had no idea then how deeply I would fall in love with this game”

India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning member Yuzvendra Chahal announced his retirement from first-class cricket on Friday, October 2. The 36-year-old last featured in red-ball cricket for Northamptonshire in the County Championship Division Two against Middlesex at Lord’s, where he claimed two wickets. The game concluded on September 26.

In an Instagram post, Chahal shared an emotional note reflecting on how he fell in love with red-ball cricket. While he never represented India in Tests, the leg-spinner expressed gratitude for every opportunity he received in the format. He wrote:

“The first cricket ball I ever held was a red ball. I was 10 years old, and I had no idea then how deeply I would fall in love with this game. For me, red-ball cricket was never just another format. It was where I learned the meaning of patience, character, resilience and the pure joy of being out there for hours, fighting for every run and every wicket.

“I played my last First-Class match at Lords, saying these words is emotional as a Test cap was always a dream, one that I carried with me for many years. It may not have happened, but I am genuinely content with the journey I have had and incredibly grateful for every opportunity that came my way in this format. The red ball gave me some of the most beautiful memories of my life, and nothing will ever take that away,” he added.

Yuzvendra Chahal featured in 49 first-class matches during his career, claiming 148 wickets at an average of 32.27 and a strike rate of 61.85. He registered six five-wicket hauls, with his best figures being 6/44.

“I AM NOT DONE YET” – India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal to continue playing white-ball cricket

In the same social media post, Yuzvendra Chahal revealed that he still hopes to represent India and will continue playing white-ball cricket. He wrote:

“But I AM NOT DONE YET. The hunger to play for my country is still very much alive. I believe I have the cricket left in me, and I will give everything I have to earn another opportunity in the One-Day and T20 formats. A special thank you to the Haryana Cricket Association, Mr. Ranbir Singh Mahindra Sir and Mr. Anirudh Singh Chaudhary Sir for their continuous support, trust and belief throughout my journey. From a 10-year-old holding his first red ball to playing his final First-Class game, it has been one h*ll of a journey.”

Chahal has played 152 matches for India across ODIs and T20Is, claiming 217 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls.